3D Wood Carving and Relief Sculpture Guide for Nano Duo

Preface

This document introduces the operational procedures and precautions for performing 3D wood carving and relief engraving using the Nano Duo laser engraving machine. It covers laser equipment safety guidelines, material selection and preparation, software setup, and reference engraving parameters, aiming to help users quickly master basic 3D wood carving techniques and achieve consistent, high-quality results.

Important Safety Warning:

Operating laser equipment poses serious safety risks (fire, burns, irreversible eye damage).

Before operation, you must:

1. Wear specialized laser safety glasses.

2. Ensure the work area is well-ventilated.

3. Never leave the equipment unattended while it is operating.

4. Strictly follow all safety regulations provided by the equipment manufacturer.

equipment:

Laser Equipment: 20W 450nm Blue Diode Laser

Compatible Machine Model: Nano Duo (features 20W 450nm and 2W 1064nm dual lasers)

Compatible Laser Control Software: (e.g., LaserBurn, LightBurn, LaserGRBL) LaserBurn is recommended.

Framing Function: Uses real-time preview to better ensure accurate laser positioning for engraving.

Focusing Method: Uses dual red light positioning for quick and easy visual alignment of two points.

Air Assist System: (Air pump strongly recommended. Function: Blows away smoke and dust, reduces charring.)

Materials preparation:

Wood:  Light-colored hardwoods with even grain are recommended (basswood, cherry, maple, walnut, sapele), avoiding woods with excessive resin or dark colors (low blue light absorption). The thickness must be greater than the expected maximum engraving depth.

Test material: Small pieces of the same type of wood (for parameter testing)

software:

Laser control software (LaserBurn recommended): Import grayscale images, set layer engraving parameters.

LaserBurn operation:

1. Import Grayscale Image: Import the grayscale image into LaserBurn.

2. Set Working Area: Define the engraving size and position to match the actual workpiece.

3. Speed: Starting test value (Sapele wood): 8000-12000 mm/min (requires extensive testing). Slower speeds result in deeper engraving, but also increase the risk of overheating. (Parameters used in the work: 10000 mm/min)

4. Power: Starting test value: 70% - 100%. The actual engraving power is much lower than this. Higher power results in deeper engraving, but also increases the risk of charring. (Parameters used in the work: 80%)

5. Line Interval: Affects detail and efficiency. Starting value: 0.025mm - 0.1mm. Smaller intervals result in finer detail but longer processing time. (Parameters used in the work: 0.05mm)

6. Scan Angle: Usually 45 degrees or alternating 0/90 degrees. (Parameters used in the work: 0 degrees)

7. Multi-layer Engraving: From high to low or from deep to shallow. Increasing the number of engraving layers helps reduce charring. (Layers used in the work: 1 layer; more layers can be added depending on the required depth)

8. Image Processing: Increase contrast to make the engraving area clearer. (Parameters used in the work: Contrast 100%)

9. Simulation Preview: Use the software's simulation function to preview the engraving path and effect.

10. Border Preview: Ensure the engraving area is within the material area.

Example image:

Workpiece preparation and positioning

1. Clean the wood surface, ensuring it is smooth and even.

2. Securely fix the wood to the workbench.

3. Use a dual red laser pointer to precisely align the engraving material, ensuring the optimal focal distance from the surface.

(The optimal distance is 220mm; holding a ruler against the laser head is recommended.)

Adjustment strategies:

Engraving too shallow/lacking depth: Increase power/decrease speed/increase the number of layers.

Edges charred/overburnt: Decrease power/increase speed/increase air assist.

Details blurry: Check if the focal length is accurate/reduce the line spacing.

Uneven surface/streaks: Adjust the fill angle/optimize the line spacing.

Finely adjust the speed, power, line spacing, and layer parameters in the software based on the test results.

Perform engraving:

1. Reconfirm that safety measures are in place (safety glasses, ventilation, fire extinguisher, no unattended operation).

2. Activate smoke extraction and dust removal system and air assist.

3. Send the job to the laser controller via the software.

4. Monitor continuously: Closely observe the engraving process, paying particular attention to any open flames or abnormal smoke, and be prepared to press the stop button at any time.

5. After the engraving is complete, wait for the laser head to stop moving completely before turning off the equipment.

Post-processing:

1. Carefully remove the workpiece (it may be hot or covered in dust).

2. Use a soft brush or damp cloth (with caution) to remove surface dust.

3. (Optional) Sand, oil, wax, or paint as needed (especially on charred edges) to enhance the finish and protect the surface.

Works on display:

Original image      

 Sapele wood    

Solid wood